Pakistan earthquake kills 23, injures hundreds

At least 23 people were killed and about 300 injured on Thursday when a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck southern Pakistan.

This happened in the early hours as many of the victims were asleep, international media reported.

Rescue workers said most of those killed were women and children.

According to US Geological Survey, the quake hit 22 kilometres (14 miles) north of the city of Jhelum, near the agricultural heartland of Punjab and Kashmir.

More than 100 mud houses collapsed and many buildings were damaged.

Television footage showed buildings with gaping cracks, caved in roofs and crumpled walls.